Wards Affected: , ITEM 9 Wolverton, and CABINET Bradwell Wards 22 JUNE 2010

NEIGHBOURHOOD REGENERATION – SELECTION OF PHASE TWO NEIGHBOURHOODS

Author: Kathryn Eames, Corporate Regeneration Manager, Tel: (01908) 254788

Purpose: To approve the Regeneration Sponsor Group’s recommendation for the proposed Phase Two neighbourhoods. Background: The Regeneration Strategy was developed in response to the deepening divide between the most affluent and most deprived residents, due in part to the atypical growth of the city and the resultant pronounced demographic changes. The principal local policy driver is the Sustainable Community Strategy which is explicit in the aim of narrowing the gap between the most deprived parts of the city and the rest, and the need to support people to develop a sense of community in their neighbourhood. The Council Plan 2009-11 includes a requirement to develop Neighbourhood Action Plans initially for three first phase areas followed by a further two second phase areas. In December 2008, the strategy and proposed Phase One neighbourhoods was presented to Cabinet. The recommendations were approved, and work on Phase One began in January 2009. The consultation for Phase Two neighbourhoods began in January 2010; the consultation papers were publically available with targeted information for Parish Councils. The 4 parishes which covered the 5 recommended neighbourhoods were also offered additional support in completing their response. This is a key decision as it affects several wards and although not directly allocating funds, the decision may have significant potential resource implications for those wards in future.

1. Recommendations

1.1 That it be agreed that the Neighbourhood Regeneration Programme begin work in two additional neighbourhoods, making a total of five neighbourhoods within the programme.

(19) ITEM 9 22 JUNE 2010 1.2 That the neighbourhoods for Phase Two be agreed as Netherfield, Bradville (focused around Harrowden, Crispin Road and Kingsfold) and Stantonbury (focused around Stantonbury Campus and ‘the squares’).

Comments and Recommendations from Councillor Jenni Ferrans: Regeneration is really making a difference in three areas of the city already, and the lessons learned indicate that it requires several components discussed in this report. I am satisfied that all the components are present on the two areas proposed, and I support the recommendation. The strategy will need strengthening to deal with the situation where one of these elements is not present in future, to ensure that no areas of the city are left behind.

Government and other money to implement major regeneration projects will obviously be harder to win in the years ahead, but in order to take advantage of whatever funding becomes available, we need a clear understanding of the needs and effective plans to meet them, and this work is essential to create those plans.

2. Issues

2.1 The Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy sets out the overall framework for the delivery of regeneration in the most deprived neighbourhoods. The strategy also highlights the key challenges facing the whole borough and sets a framework for the development of individual Neighbourhood Action Plans. 2.2 The strategy identifies nineteen areas across that are most deprived based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). These neighbourhoods will be supported to develop Neighbourhood Action Plans through a rolling programme over several years. Monitoring will be ongoing during this period, to ensure the Council remains focused upon the most deprived neighbourhoods, mindful that these may change over time. 2.3 Implementation of the strategy is overseen by a high level Sponsor Group (with senior representation from the Council, Police, Parish Councils, business, skills and voluntary sectors, NHS and the Milton Keynes Partnership), supported by an operationally focused Performance Group. 2.4 The approach of the Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy is driven by the view that services will be improved and communities strengthened only where there is effective engagement and empowerment of the community. It is based on the premise that enabled communities to drive the shape of their neighbourhoods and the services they receive to deliver a shared vision for the area. 2.5 In January 2009, the Regeneration Team began working to support the development of individual plans to address the causes and consequences of localised deprivation in the three Phase One neighbourhoods; Lakes Estate, Fishermead and Tinkers Bridge. These neighbourhoods were originally selected

(20) ITEM 9 22 JUNE 2010 to offer different challenges in development and delivery as it was felt that they would provide varied opportunities for learning in the first phase. 2.6 All three have now developed Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) that reflect real resident need based on data evidence and resident feedback through consultation and engagement over a twelve month period. These NAPs are live documents which will be refreshed as often as is deemed necessary locally; they have been communicated to residents and are being delivered by MKC, key partners, parish/ councils and the residents themselves. 2.7 Over the last year, £284k1 of additional funding has been attracted to the Phase One neighbourhoods as a direct result of the regeneration programme. 2.8 As per the original decision from Cabinet in December 2008, the approach taken to develop these first NAPs is currently being independently evaluated to ensure successes can be celebrated, lessons can be learned and the programme going forward, for existing and new areas, can be improved. The final report will be presented to the Sponsor Group in July and will be made publically available. 2.9 The next phase involves moving to implementation of the Phase One plans and the development of Neighbourhood Action Plans in two additional neighbourhoods. In January 2010, the Council’s Regeneration Team (based in the Strategy and Partnerships Directorate) set out a consultation for the selection of Phase Two neighbourhoods. The consultation detailed the process for neighbourhood selection and offered five neighbourhoods as possible candidates based on comparative need, as identified by the available data, and known opportunities. 2.10 It should be noted that although the resource to lead and deliver social regeneration in the phase one and two neighbourhoods is predominantly available with the Regeneration Team, the Parish/Town Council and other community development / engagement workers in the neighbourhoods, the Neighbourhood Action Plans, and the resident needs detailed within it, will require a delivery response from council and partner services. This may require additional or refocused resources to deliver.

3. Alternative Options

3.1 A total of 12 responses were received from the consultation (see Annex A and B for the consultation paper and a summary of the comments received) covering three of the five areas. No new neighbourhoods were proposed in the consultation responses beyond those highlighted in the consultation paper. 3.2 An assessment of the neighbourhoods was carried out to identify which two areas should be selected for Phase Two based on data and feedback received.

1 43k Connecting Communities (Tinkers), 12.5k community garden (Tinkers), 70k Warren play area (Lakes), 69k Bala Way play area (Lakes), 100k Lakes Renewal MKP, 25k Urban Art Project (Lakes), 7k Parish Ranger and Bonfire Event (Lakes)

(21) ITEM 9 22 JUNE 2010 3.3 The assessment (see Annex C) shows that the two most suitable neighbourhoods are Netherfield, Bradville (focused around Harrowden, Crispin Road and Kingsfold) and Stantonbury (focused around Stantonbury Campus and ‘the squares’). 3.4 The key factors leading to this conclusion are the support from the respective parish councils and their capacity to engage with the programme.

4. Implications

4.1 Policy The Neighbourhood Regeneration Programme is incorporated into the Strategy and Partnerships Service Plan and provides the neighbourhood focus for the Milton Keynes Sustainable Community Strategy, supporting our delivery against this and targets in the Local Area Agreement and 2009-11 Council Plan. 4.2 Resources and Risk An allocation of £50,000 was made in the Council budget for 2010/11 to fund the development and delivery of two second phase Neighbourhood Action Plans. The relevant parish councils will also provide capacity to work with the council and it is hoped that local community workers will be available as part of the engagement resource. The content and delivery of the resulting Neighbourhood Action Plans cannot be anticipated at this stage but any individual actions requiring significant resources will be subject to further formal decisions, as appropriate. No capital resources are necessary at the outset.

N Capital N Revenue N Accommodation

N IT N Medium Term Plan N Asset Management

4.3 Carbon and Energy Management Where council buildings are included within the proposed neighbourhoods, and if these are included in the regeneration options developed by the neighbourhood and partners, consideration will be given to the Council’s Carbon and Energy Management Policy. 4.4 Legal The Council is given the statutory powers to carry out the proposals contained within the report by Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000. Broadly this section provides that: ‘Every local authority are to have power to do anything which they consider is likely to achieve one of more of the following objects; the promotion or improvement of the economic wellbeing of their area; the promotion or improvement of the social wellbeing of their area and; the promotion or improvement of the environmental wellbeing of their area.’ It is important to note that these major powers can only be exercised in accordance with the Council’s approved Sustainable Community Strategy. (22) ITEM 9 22 JUNE 2010 4.5 Other Implications The approval of the development of two additional Neighbourhood Action Plans based upon physical, economic, human and social capital support an holistic approach to the development and implementation of regeneration, enabling the implications below to be built into activity going forward.

Y Equalities/Diversity Y Sustainability Y Human Rights

Y E-Government Y Stakeholders Y Crime and Disorder

Annex A: Phase Two Consultation Paper Annex B: Summary of Responses Annex C: Neighbourhood Assessment for Phase Two

Background Papers: The Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy can be found at: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/regeneration

(23) ITEM 9 22 JUNE 2010

MILTON KEYNES NEIGHBOURHOOD REGENERATION CONSULTATION PAPER FOR THE SELECTION OF PHASE TWO NEIGHBOURHOODS 11TH JANUARY 2010

1 Introduction

1.1 Milton Keynes Council is seeking views on which Milton Keynes neighbourhoods should be the focus of work during phase two of the Regeneration Programme.

2 Background

2.1 In December 2008, the new Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy was signed off by the Council’s Cabinet. This strategy sets the overall framework for the delivery of regeneration in the most deprived neighbourhoods of Milton Keynes. The strategy highlights the key challenges facing the whole city, focussing on those which are concentrated in the deprived areas, and sets a framework for the development of Neighbourhood Action Plans.

2.2 The Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy completes the policy suite which addresses the future of Milton Keynes places. The Rural Strategy covers rural areas and market and a series of Development Frameworks cover Wolverton and town centres.

2.3 Implementation of the strategy is overseen by a high level Sponsor Group (with senior representation from the Council, Police, Parish Councils, business, skills and voluntary sectors, PCT and the Milton Keynes Partnership), supported by an operationally focused Performance Group.

2.4 The Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy identifies nineteen areas across Milton Keynes that are most deprived based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation. These neighbourhoods will be supported to develop Neighbourhood Action Plans through a rolling programme over the next several years. Monitoring will be ongoing during this period, to ensure the Council is consistently focused upon the most deprived neighbourhoods, mindful that these may change over time.

2.5 Development of the local plans will recognise the role of the parish and town councils, and wherever possible the process will be led by these democratically accountable bodies.

2.6 In January 2009 work began in three phase one neighbourhoods – the Lakes Estate, Tinkers Bridge and Fishermead. These neighbourhoods were selected principally because of their scale (they represent a big estate, a small estate and a estate) but also because they presented very different challenges, and it was felt that they would provide varied opportunities for learning in this first phase.

2.7 It is anticipated that the first Neighbourhood Action Plans will be completed (version 1) by March 2010 as planned.

2.8 The next phase includes moving to implementation of those plans and the development of Neighbourhood Action Plans in additional neighbourhoods to address local need.

2.9 During the consultation period, we will look at our capacity to deliver, and a recommendation to Cabinet will be made giving this consideration.

‘To arrest and reverse the cycle of neighbourhood decline thereby transforming the life prospects(24) of the most deprived residents’ Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy 2009 (version 1.0) 3 The Process for the Selection of the Phase Two Neighbourhoods

3.1 A step-by-step process has been established for the selection of the phase two neighbourhoods:

x Step 1: review the outstanding priority neighbourhoods, as detailed within the Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy, to shortlist the best candidates for intervention based on comparative need, as identified by the available data and known opportunities.

x Step 2: propose the choice for consultation. Consultation to focus on: - Quantitative measures of deprivation – greater analysis of existing data and sourcing additional data where relevant

- Qualitative measures of deprivation – feedback from colleagues/partners working within neighbourhoods

- Assessment of the current capacity/structures to enable and support delivery

- Identification of any existing development plans within neighbourhoods, providing an opportunity for regeneration (i.e. consideration of allocated/potential funding which would have the potential to be broadened to embrace wider regeneration aims)

- Assessment of fit with wider Council strategy and other relevant projects

x Step 3: review consultation responses and make recommendations based on data and feedback received. Paper to Cabinet for decision.

4 Potential Candidates for Phase Two

4.1 The Regeneration Performance Group, a multi disciplinary group of officers and partners, has reviewed potential candidates for the next phase of the programme, based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and Milton Keynes Social Atlas data relating to the remaining 16 priority neighbourhoods (covering 18 estates), as detailed within the Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy (www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/regeneration).

4.2 The following neighbourhoods were selected as possible candidates for phase two based on comparative need identified by the data presented and known opportunities shared at the meeting:

x Conniburrow (particular focus on the south of the Boulevard)

x Netherfield

x Stacey Bushes

x Stantonbury (focused around Stantonbury Campus and ‘the squares’) & Bradville (focused around the 3 streets – Harrowden, Crispin Road, Kingsfold)

x Beanhill Summary data sheets are attached, including IMD maps of the 5 areas selected. More detailed neighbourhood information can be found at the MKi Observatory (www.mkiobservatory.org.uk).

‘To arrest and reverse the cycle of neighbourhood decline thereby transforming the life prospects(25) of the most deprived residents’ Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy 2009 4.3 Please note that we are unlikely to progress more than 2 more neighbourhoods in phase 2.

The Consultation Period

4.4 The consultation period with parishes and partners, is to allow for the input of comments, local knowledge and suggestions of other intelligence that should be considered.

4.5 The consultation should focus, in the first instance, on the questions attached, and will run for a period of 12 weeks.

4.6 The output from the consultation will be used to inform a Cabinet paper recommending the neighbourhoods for phase two.

‘To arrest and reverse the cycle of neighbourhood decline thereby transforming the life prospects(26) of the most deprived residents’ Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy 2009 Consultation Questions

For the five identified neighbourhoods at 4.2:

1. Which two of the five should be the highest priority?

2. Is there any additional data that is relevant which should be considered? Please provide the information for it to be included.

3. Is there any local feedback which should be considered?

4. What existing initiatives are happening/planned in the neighbourhood which could be tied into regeneration activity in the future?

5. What active community groups are there in existence that could enable/support delivery?

6. What is the capacity of the parish to enable/support delivery?

7. Are there any opportunities for major change e.g. planned development?

For other neighbourhoods:

8. Are there other neighbourhoods beyond the proposed list that you believe are stronger candidates for phase 2? Please identify which neighbourhoods and give the evidence on which you base your proposal.

Please note: only written feedback responding to the questions above and provided by the consultation deadline will be considered

If you wish to discuss further, please contact either Kathryn Eames (01908 254788) or Lee Mooney (01908 252258).

You can email your responses to [email protected] or post to the MKC Regeneration Team, Chief Executives Office, Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ

The consultation closes on Friday 9th April 2010.

‘To arrest and reverse the cycle of neighbourhood decline thereby transforming the life prospects(27) of the most deprived residents’ Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Regeneration Strategy 2009 (version 1.0) ANNEX B

MILTON KEYNES NEIGHBOURHOOD REGENERATION SELECTION OF PHASE TWO NEIGHBOURHOODS – SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Introduction and background

Work began on three Phase one neighbourhoods in January 2009 – the Lakes Estate, Tinkers Bridge and Fishermead. The first Neighbourhood Action plans are now complete and awaiting final sign off by each of the Neighbourhood Steering Groups. Additional funding has now been secured to commence work on two of the estates in Phase two.

In January 2010 Milton Keynes Council began a 12 week consultation with parishes and partners seeking their views on which Milton Keynes neighbourhoods should be selected as part of the Phase two neighbourhood regeneration programme. Focus on the consultation in the first instance was around the 8 questions (see attached document). The consultation period ended on Friday 9th April 2010.

Information

The consultation selected five areas as potential candidates for Phase two. These were -

x Conniburrow (particular focus on the south of the Boulevard) x Netherfield x Stacey Bushes x Stantonbury (focused around Stantonbury Campus and ‘the squares’) and Bradville (focused around the 3 streets – Harrowden, Crispin Road, Kingsfold)

Out of the five potential candidates above, responses were received nominating three of these areas – Netherfield, Stantonbury/Bradville and Stacey Bushes.

Findings

Netherfield

Two responses were received in support of Netherfield being selected for Phase 2. These were from Woughton Community Council and the Netherfield Peoples Project. Both have only given one choice (Netherfield) for selection.

Woughton Community Council have expressed their commitment to support NAP development on Netherfield but have concerns that the low tax base of properties in the area would make it difficult for them to provide the necessary services. They also mention challenges faced with the issues around boundary reviews.

Feedback from local residents suggest that in general most like living in the area but accept that there are issues and seem willing to work with the Council to support regeneration of the area. There is a well organised Residents Association that works closely with the Community Council and a team of Development and Youth workers and Rangers actively employed within the communities across the parish. The residents association have expressed their support for the Peoples Project and for their nomination for Netherfield to be considered in Phase 2. Woughton seems to work closely with the local police and many other organisations across the parish.

(28) Although Netherfield is a large estate, the Community Council has local experience in delivering community development projects. There is planned development of a Community Centre in Netherfield that will be leased to the Peoples Project. This would work well alongside other regeneration work for the area.

Bradville and Stantonbury

Eight responses were received in support of Bradville/Stantonbury being selected as the next areas for regeneration. These were from Stantonbury and Bradville Parish Councils, Stantonbury Residents Association, Cllr Barbara Wright, Stantonbury Campus, Bradville Play Association, Christ Church, and Stantonbury Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and Wood End First School.

Both Stantonbury Parish Council and Bradville Parish Council have expressed their commitment to assist with the regeneration of the areas. On reviewing the submissions it is clear that all of the above organisations work closely to support work in their respective areas and there appears to be a lot of work already in progress. These groups also work closely with numerous other organisations in the area including Sure Start Centres and local schools and hold interagency meetings for information sharing. There are community mobilisers and two active residents associations who work closely with the Parish Council. Work has already begun in clearing up the estate with a local task force assisting in the organisation of this.

There is a possibility of future development within the area as Sainsbury have shown an interest in the area around the shops in Stantonbury and there is S106 planning gains from Stantonbury Park. (Refer to response document for full details).

Stacey Bushes

Only one nomination for Stacey Bushes was received from Cllr Janet Irons. Unfortunately answers for all of the consultation questions were not provided directly but an email from Cllr Irons confirmed that she would like to nominate Stacey Bushes.

According to Cllr Irons the shops, community centre and flats etc are due to be re- developed and she felt it would make sense to incorporate this work with the commencement of a regeneration project in the area. Cllr Irons also mentions that there is no church or school in the area and the meeting place is too small. There is not an active residents association for Stacey Bushes and there is no confirmation as to whether or not their local parish council would agree to support any future regeneration project.

(29) ANNEX C

Neighbourhood Assessment for Regeneration Programme Phase Two

Assessment based on available data and consultation feedback

Neighbourhood IMD – 15% (3), Parish Support Evidence of Additional Opportunities Score 20% (2) or 25% Received Existing Parish Support That Would (1) (1) yes, (0) no Capacity to Received Support Future Enable/Support (1) yes, (0) no Regeneration Delivery (1) yes, (0) no (1) yes, (0) no Conniburrow 2 0 0 0 0 2

Netherfield 311016

Stacey Bushes 200103

Stantonbury & 211116 Bradville

Beanhill 301004

(30)